12 November 2026 (Navroze Bureau) New Zealand fast bowler Brett Randell has received his maiden international call-up after being included in the Black Caps squad for the fourth and fifth One-Day Internationals (ODIs) against India. The 31-year-old right-arm pacer has earned the opportunity following consistent performances in domestic cricket and for New Zealand A.
New Zealand Cricket announced Randell’s selection on Thursday, November 12, 2026. He will join the squad for the remaining two matches of the ongoing five-match ODI series against India, which is being played in New Zealand.
The selection marks an important milestone in Randell’s cricketing career, as he has spent several years performing in domestic competitions before earning an opportunity at the international level.
Alongside Randell, New Zealand has also included all-rounder Josh Clarkson in the squad for the fifth and final ODI.
Maiden International Opportunity for Brett Randell
Randell, who represents Central Districts in domestic cricket, has established himself as a consistent performer across different formats.
The 31-year-old has made 145 professional appearances, including five matches for New Zealand A. He recently returned from a County Championship stint with English county side Derbyshire.
His performances in domestic cricket and recent appearances for New Zealand A helped him attract the attention of the national selectors.
New Zealand head coach Rob Walter welcomed Randell’s selection and said the fast bowler had earned the opportunity through his consistent performances.
Walter described a player’s first international call-up as a special moment and expressed happiness over Randell’s inclusion.
He also acknowledged that several changes had taken place within the squad during the series, making the addition of experienced domestic performers important for the team.
Randell is now in contention to make his international debut during the remaining matches against India.
Five Wickets in Five Balls Made Him Famous
One of the most remarkable moments in Randell’s domestic career came in March 2026, when he created history in first-class cricket.
Playing for Central Districts against Northern Districts in the Plunket Shield, Randell took five wickets in five consecutive deliveries.
The extraordinary achievement made him the first bowler in first-class cricket history to take five wickets in five consecutive balls.
He finished the innings with impressive figures of seven wickets for 25 runs, helping Central Districts dominate the opposition.
The performance brought considerable attention to his bowling abilities and strengthened his reputation as a dangerous pace bowler in domestic cricket.
His ability to generate movement, maintain accuracy and trouble batters with consistent bowling has been an important part of his success.
The historic performance also demonstrated his ability to deliver under pressure, making his maiden national selection a significant development.
India Lead the ODI Series 2-0
Randell’s inclusion comes at a time when New Zealand are looking to strengthen their squad for the final two matches against India.
India currently lead the five-match ODI series 2-0. The third match, played in Hamilton on November 10, ended without a result because of rain.
India won the opening ODI in Auckland by five wickets under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method. The visitors also secured victory in the second match in Wellington by four runs under the rain-affected conditions.
The fourth ODI is scheduled to take place on November 13 at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui, while the fifth and final match will be played on November 15 at the same venue.
New Zealand will look to use the remaining matches to improve their performance and reduce India’s advantage in the series.
Josh Clarkson Also Returns to the Squad
Apart from Randell, New Zealand has also included Josh Clarkson for the fifth ODI.
Clarkson is a Central Districts all-rounder who has already represented New Zealand in six ODI matches. His return provides additional batting and bowling options to the team.
The squad changes come amid injury concerns involving several New Zealand players, including fast bowler Lockie Ferguson and Blair Tickner.
New Zealand’s preparations for the upcoming two-match Test series against India have also influenced squad management, with some members of the coaching staff moving to Wellington for Test preparations.
The changes provide an opportunity for players outside the regular international setup to demonstrate their abilities.
Updated New Zealand Squads for Final Two ODIs
For the fourth ODI, New Zealand have selected Mitchell Santner as captain, alongside Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Kristian Clarke, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Mitch Hay, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Nick Kelly, Brett Randell, Tim Seifert and Will Young.
For the fifth ODI, the squad includes Mitchell Santner, Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Kristian Clarke, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Mitch Hay, Nick Kelly, Brett Randell, Tim Seifert, Blair Tickner and Will Young.
Randell is listed as a potential debutant in both squads.
A New Chapter in Randell’s Cricketing Career
Randell’s selection represents a major achievement after years of competing in domestic cricket.
His journey highlights the opportunities available to players who continue performing consistently outside the international spotlight.
At 31, he will be hoping to make the most of his first opportunity with the Black Caps and establish himself as a reliable option in New Zealand’s pace-bowling department.
With India already leading the series, the remaining matches will provide New Zealand with an opportunity to test new combinations and give emerging players valuable international exposure.
All eyes will now be on Randell as he waits for a possible international debut against one of the strongest teams in world cricket.